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Results for “visualization in physical sciences and engineering”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Rational design of stealthy hyperuniform two-phase media with tunable order

Disordered stealthy hyperuniform materials are exotic amorphous states of matter that have attracted recent attention because of their novel structural characteristics (hidden order at large length scales) and physical properties, including desirable photonic and transport properties. It is therefore useful to devise algorithms that enable one to design a wide class of such amorphous configurations at will. In this paper, we present several algorithms enabling the systematic identification and generation of discrete (digitized) stealthy hyperuniform patterns with a tunable degree of order, paving the way towards the rational design of disordered materials endowed with novel thermodynamic and physical properties. To quantify the degree of order or disorder of the stealthy systems, we utilize the discrete version of the $\tau$ order metric, which accounts for the underlying spatial correlations that exist across all relevant length scales in a given digitized two-phase (or, equivalently, a two-spin state) system of interest. In this work, our results impinge on a myriad of fields, ranging from physics, materials science and engineering, visual perception, and information theory to modern data science.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1984

Proceedings of the 24th Project Integration Meeting

Progress made by the Flat-Plate Solar Array Project is described. Reports on silicon sheet growth and characterization, silicon material, process development, high-efficiency cells, environmental isolation, engineering sciences, and reliability physics are presented along with copies of visual presentations made at the 24th Project Integration Meeting.

Tustin, D.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Scientific Visualization & Modeling for Earth Systems Science Education

Providing research experiences for undergraduate students in Earth Systems Science (ESS) poses several challenges at smaller academic institutions that might lack dedicated resources for this area of study. This paper describes the development of an innovative model that involves students with majors in diverse scientific disciplines in authentic ESS research. In studying global climate change, experts typically use scientific visualization techniques applied to remote sensing data collected by satellites. In particular, many problems related to environmental phenomena can be quantitatively addressed by investigations based on datasets related to the scientific endeavours such as the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE). Working with data products stored at NASA's Distributed Active Archive Centers, visualization software specifically designed for students and an advanced, immersive Virtual Reality (VR) environment, students engage in guided research projects during a structured 6-week summer program. Over the 5-year span, this program has afforded the opportunity for students majoring in biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, physics, engineering and science education to work collaboratively in teams on research projects that emphasize the use of scientific visualization in studying the environment. Recently, a hands-on component has been added through science student partnerships with school-teachers in data collection and reporting for the GLOBE Program (GLobal Observations to Benefit the Environment).

Chaudhury, S. Raj↗
DOE OSTI2020

In-situ visualization of corrosion behavior of Al CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloys during electrochemical polarization

In this study, the corrosion behavior of the Al x CoCrFeNi (x = 0.3, 0.5, 0.7) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) is investigated by an in-situ visualization system. Surface morphology changes on both micro-spatial and temporal scales are monitored in the 3.5 wt% NaCl solution during the potentiodynamic polarization. The microstructures of the Al x CoCrFeNi HEAs are characterized by SEM, EBSD, and EDS. The results show that the microstructure evolves from singe face-centered cubic (FCC) phase to multi-phases by increasing the Al content. The in-situ observations directly reveal the different localized corrosion processes in the AlxCoCrFeNi HEAs. In the single FCC phase Al 0.3 CoCrFeNi HEA, localized corrosion shows in the form of pitting. In the Al 0.5 CoCrFeNi and Al 0.7 CoCrFeNi alloys, which possess FCC and body-centered cubic (BCC) phases, the localized corrosion initiates and propagates in the Cr-depleted BCC phase. In addition, the in-situ visualization uncovers the evolution of current serration, which represents the propagation and repassivation of metastable pit during the polarization. The frequent occurrence of metastable pits indicates distinct repassivation ability of the Al 0.3 CoCrFeNi HEA.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Seeing is believing: visualization of antiferromagnetic domains

Abstract Understanding and utilizing novel antiferromagnetic (AFM) materials has been recently one of the central issues in condensed matter physics, as well as in materials science and engineering. The relevant contemporary topics include multiferroicity, topological magnetism and AFM spintronics. The ability to image magnetic domains in AFM materials is of key importance for the success of these exciting fields. While imaging techniques of magnetic domains on the surfaces of ferro-(ferri)magnetic materials with, for example, magneto-optical Kerr microscopy and magnetic force microscopy have been available for a number of decades, AFM domain imaging is a relatively new development. We review various experimental techniques utilizing scanning, optical, and synchrotron X-ray probes to visualize AFM domains and domain walls, and to unveil their physical properties. We also discuss the existing challenges and opportunities in these techniques, especially with further increase of spatial and temporal resolution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2020

Barefoot Rover: a Sensor-Infused Rover Wheel Demonstrating In-Situ Engineering and Science Extractions using Machine Learning

In this work, we demonstrate an instrumented wheel concept which utilizes a 2D pressure grid, an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) sensor and machine learning (ML) to extract meaningful metrics from the interaction between the wheel and surface terrain. These include continuous slip/skid estimation, balance, and sharpness for engineering applications. Estimates of surface hydration, texture, terrain patterns, and regolith physical properties such as cohesion and angle of internal friction are additionally calculated for science applications. Traditional systems rely on post-processing of visual images and vehicle telemetry to estimate these metrics. Through in-situ sensing, these metrics can be calculated in near real time and made available to onboard science and engineering autonomy applications. This work aims to provide a deployable system for future planetary exploration missions to increase science and engineering capabilities through increased knowledge of the terrain.

Marchetti, Yuliya↗
NASA NTRS2005

Mission leverage education: NSU/NASA innovative undergraduate model

The BEST Lab (Center for Excellence in Science Education), the Center for Materials Research (CMR), and the Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science (CS) Departments at Norfolk State University (NSU) joined forces to implement MiLEN(2) IUM - an innovative approach tu integrate current and emerging research into the undergraduate curricula and train students on NASA-related fields. An Earth Observing System (EOS) mission was simulated where students are educated and trained in many aspects of Remote Sensing: detector physics and spectroscopy; signal processing; data conditioning, analysis, visualization; and atmospheric science. This model and its continued impact is expected to significantly enhance the quality of the Mathematics, Science, Engineering and Technology (MSET or SMET) educational experience and to inspire students from historically underrepresented groups to pursue careers in NASA-related fields. MiLEN(2) IUM will be applicable to other higher education institutions that are willing to make the commitment to this endeavor in terms of faculty interest and space.

Chaudhury, S. Raj↗
DOE OSTI2021

Dip leg plug formation evaluation and abatement testing in support of the H-Canyon accelerated basin de-inventory

As requested in the Technical Task Request (TTR), the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) performed testing on the current typical bubbler dip leg design used in the H-Area Canyon (HCA). The TTR has a functional classification of General Services. Testing was initiated to ascertain if the plugging described in the TTR could be reproduced and, if so, to obtain general metrics on the resulting plugging dynamics, and evaluate possible mitigating methods, including design changes and cleaning/purging protocols. The bubblers were to be suspended in a simulant typical of H-Canyon solutions containing aluminum nitrate and silica at a temperature of 25°C using a nominal bubbler air flowrate of 7.5 SCFH. Emphasis was placed on minimizing equipment changes necessary to accomplish the mitigations, as equipment changes in the existing facility would be costly. Testing evolved into four (4) phases, concluding that plugging could indeed be reproduced (believed to be attributed to localized evaporation and bridging of crystals in the dip legs). During testing, plug formation information was obtained, including time, pressure, and temperature traces leading to plugging were defined; solution compositions leading to plugging were determined, and various physical characteristics (visual and mechanical) of the crystallized plug were obtained.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Towards Trust-Augmented Visual Analytics for Data-Driven Energy Modeling

The promise of data-driven predictive modeling is being increasingly realized in various science and engineering disciplines, where experts are used to the more conventional, simulation-driven modeling practices. However, trust remains a bottleneck for greater adoption of machine learning-based models for domain experts, who might not be necessarily trained in data science. In this paper, we focus on the building energy domain, where physics-based simulations are being complemented or replaced by machine learning-based methods for forecasting energy supply and demand at various spatio-temporal scales. We study the trust problem in close collaboration with energy scientists and engineers and describe how visual analytics can be leveraged for alleviating this trust bottleneck for stakeholders with varying degrees of expertise and analytics goals in this domain.

Kandakatla, Akshith R.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Urban Energy Systems: Research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

In the coming decades, our planet will witness unprecedented urban population growth in both established and emerging communities. The development and maintenance of urban infrastructures are highly energy-intensive. Urban areas are dictated by complex intersections among physical, engineered, and human dimensions that have significant implications for traffic congestion, emissions, and energy usage. In this chapter, we highlight recent research and development efforts at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the largest multipurpose science laboratory within the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) national laboratory system, that characterizes the interactions between the human dynamics and critical infrastructures in conjunction with the integration of four distinct components: data, critical infrastructure models, and scalable computation and visualization, all within the context of physical and social systems. Discussions focus on four key topical themes: population and land use, sustainable mobility, the energy-water nexus, and urban resiliency, that are mutually aligned with DOE’s mission and ORNL’s signature science and technology capabilities. Using scalable computing, data visualization, and unique datasets from a variety of sources, the institute fosters innovative interdisciplinary research that integrates ORNL expertise in critical infrastructures including energy, water, transportation, and cyber, and their interactions with the human population.

Bhaduri, Budhu↗
NASA NTRS2012

Multi-Mission Simulation and Visualization for Real-Time Telemetry Display, Playback and EDL Event Reconstruction

he Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) Reconstruction Task has developed a software system that provides mission operations personnel and analysts with a real time telemetry-based live display, playback and post-EDL reconstruction capability that leverages the existing high-fidelity, physics-based simulation framework and modern game engine-derived 3D visualization system developed in the JPL Dynamics and Real Time Simulation (DARTS) Lab. Developed as a multi-mission solution, the EDL Telemetry Visualization (ETV) system has been used for a variety of projects including NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), NASA'S Low Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD) and JPL's MoonRise Lunar sample return proposal.

Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) Reconstruction↗
NASA NTRS2013

Science Opportunity Analyzer (SOA) Version 8

SOA allows scientists to plan spacecraft observations. It facilitates the identification of geometrically interesting times in a spacecraft s orbit that a user can use to plan observations or instrument-driven spacecraft maneuvers. These observations can then be visualized multiple ways in both two- and three-dimensional views. When observations have been optimized within a spacecraft's flight rules, the resulting plans can be output for use by other JPL uplink tools. Now in its eighth major version, SOA improves on these capabilities in a modern and integrated fashion. SOA consists of five major functions: Opportunity Search, Visualization, Observation Design, Constraint Checking, and Data Output. Opportunity Search is a GUI-driven interface to existing search engines that can be used to identify times when a spacecraft is in a specific geometrical relationship with other bodies in the solar system. This function can be used for advanced mission planning as well as for making last-minute adjustments to mission sequences in response to trajectory modifications. Visualization is a key aspect of SOA. The user can view observation opportunities in either a 3D representation or as a 2D map projection. Observation Design allows the user to orient the spacecraft and visualize the projection of the instrument field of view for that orientation using the same views as Opportunity Search. Constraint Checking is provided to validate various geometrical and physical aspects of an observation design. The user has the ability to easily create custom rules or to use official project-generated flight rules. This capability may also allow scientists to easily assess the cost to science if flight rule changes occur. Data Output allows the user to compute ancillary data related to an observation or to a given position of the spacecraft along its trajectory. The data can be saved as a tab-delimited text file or viewed as a graph. SOA combines science planning functionality unique to both JPL and the sponsoring spacecraft. SOA is able to ingest JPL SPICE Kernels that are used to drive the tool and its computations. A Percy search engine is then included that identifies interesting time periods for the user to build observations. When observations are then built, flight-like orientation algorithms replicate spacecraft dynamics to closely simulate the flight spacecraft s dynamics. SOA v8 represents large steps forward from SOA v7 in terms of quality, reliability, maintainability, efficiency, and user experience. A tailored agile development environment has been built around SOA that provides automated unit testing, continuous build and integration, a consolidated Web-based code and documentation storage environment, modern Java enhancements, and a focus on usability

Witoff, Robert J.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Characterization of laser-induced plasmas associated with energetic laser cleaning of metal particles on fused silica surfaces

Here, time-resolved plasma emission spectroscopy was used to characterize the energy coupling and temperature rise associated with single, 10-ns pulsed laser ablation of metallic particles bound to transparent substrates. Plasma associated with Fe(I) emission lines originating from steel microspheres was observed to cool from >24,000 to ~15,000 K over ~220 ns as $\tau$ -0.28 , consistent with radiative losses and adiabatic gas expansion of a relatively free plasma. Simultaneous emission lines from Si(II) associated with the plasma etching of the SiO2 substrate were observed yielding higher plasma temperatures, ~35,000 K, relative to the Fe(I) plasma. Lastly, the difference in species temperatures is consistent with plasma confinement at the microsphere-substrate interface as the particle is ejected, and is directly visualized using pump-probe shadowgraphy as a function of pulsed laser energy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2016

An Interdisciplinary Method for the Visualization of Novel High-Resolution Precision Photography and Micro-XCT Data Sets of NASA's Apollo Lunar Samples and Antarctic Meteorite Samples to Create Combined Research-Grade 3D Virtual Samples for the Benefit of Astromaterials Collections Conservation, Curation, Scientific Research and Education

New technologies make possible the advancement of documentation and visualization practices that can enhance conservation and curation protocols for NASA's Astromaterials Collections. With increasing demands for accessibility to updated comprehensive data, and with new sample return missions on the horizon, it is of primary importance to develop new standards for contemporary documentation and visualization methodologies. Our interdisciplinary team has expertise in the fields of heritage conservation practices, professional photography, photogrammetry, imaging science, application engineering, data curation, geoscience, and astromaterials curation. Our objective is to create virtual 3D reconstructions of Apollo Lunar and Antarctic Meteorite samples that are a fusion of two state-of-the-art data sets: the interior view of the sample by collecting Micro-XCT data and the exterior view of the sample by collecting high-resolution precision photography data. These new data provide researchers an information-rich visualization of both compositional and textural information prior to any physical sub-sampling. Since January 2013 we have developed a process that resulted in the successful creation of the first image-based 3D reconstruction of an Apollo Lunar Sample correlated to a 3D reconstruction of the same sample's Micro- XCT data, illustrating that this technique is both operationally possible and functionally beneficial. In May of 2016 we began a 3-year research period during which we aim to produce Virtual Astromaterials Samples for 60 high-priority Apollo Lunar and Antarctic Meteorite samples and serve them on NASA's Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation website. Our research demonstrates that research-grade Virtual Astromaterials Samples are beneficial in preserving for posterity a precise 3D reconstruction of the sample prior to sub-sampling, which greatly improves documentation practices, provides unique and novel visualization of the sample's interior and exterior features, offers scientists a preliminary research tool for targeted sub-sample requests, and additionally is a visually engaging interactive tool for bringing astromaterials science to the public.

Blumenfeld, E. H.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Portable Electron Microscopy for ISS and Beyond

Advances in space exploration have evolved in lockstep with key technology advances in diverse fields such as materials science, biological science, and engineering risk management. Research in these areas, where structure and physical processes come together, can proceed rapidly in part due to sophisticated ground-based analytical tools that help re-searchers develop technologies and engineering processes that push frontiers of human space exploration. Electron microscopes (EM) are an example of such a workhorse tool, lending a unique blend of strong optical scattering, high native resolution, large depth of focus, and spectroscopy via characteristic X-ray emission, providing exquisite high-magnification structural imaging and chemical analysis. Ground-based EM’s have been essential in NASA research for many years. In particular, in mineralogy and petrology, EM is used to understand the origin and evolution of the solar system, particularly rocky bodies. In microbiology, EM has helped visualize the architecture of tissues and cells. In engineering/materials science, EM has been used to characterize particulate debris in air and water samples, determine pore sizes in ceramics/catalysts, understand the nature of fibers, determine composition and morphology of new and existing materials, and characterize micro-textures of vapor deposited films. EM is highly effective at investigating a wide variety of nanoscale materials/biomaterials at the core of many of NASA’s inquiries. Despite exquisite optical performance and versatility, EM’s are traditionally large, heavy, and have high power consumption. They are also expensive so they tend to be housed at universities and large research institutions, or at major industrial laboratory sites with support staff, supplies, and skilled operators. Since most organizations cannot support their own EM, samples are often sent to these large institutions and service centers to be imaged, at great expense and of-ten with delay of weeks to months for complex analyses. Complexity, high cost, and maintenance associated with collecting EM image data has until now severely limited fields in which EM is used. Making EM accessible outside constrained terrestrial laboratory environments will bring EM’s performance and versatility to a much broader range of scientific and engineering endeavors, including in space.

Own, C. S.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Preparation for microgravity: The role of the microgravity materials science laboratory

A laboratory dedicated to ground based materials processing in preparation for space flight was established at the NASA Lewis Research Center. Experiments are performed to delineate the effects of gravity on processes of both scientific and commercial interest. Processes are modeled physically and mathematically. Transport model systems are used where possible to visually track convection, settling, crystal growth, phase separation, agglomeration, vapor transport, diffusive flow, and polymers reactions. The laboratory contains apparatus which functionally duplicates apparatus available for flight experiments and other pieces instrumented specifically to allow process characterization. Materials addressed include metals, alloys, salts, glasses, ceramics, and polymers. The Microgravity Materials Science Laboratory is staffed by engineers and technicians from a variety of disciplines and is open to users from industry and academia as well as the government. Examples will be given of the laboratory apparatus typical experiments and results.

Johnston, J. Christopher↗